Old-School Horse Training Approach

Well it is based mostly on preference. Since my bridle horses are all used for ranch horses, I look for horses that have the conformation to excell at ranch work. Really there isn't a set conformation for a bridle horse, but rather based off the work you will be doing with your bridle horse.

Well it is based mostly on preference. Since my bridle horses are all used for ranch horses, I look for horses that have the conformation to excell at ranch work. Really there isn't a set conformation for a bridle horse, but rather based off the work you will be doing with your bridle horse.

Then from that stage, you could safely move him into a two-rein system, with either a half breed or mona lisa mouthpiece. If your not familiar with these I can post pics! I think making your horse into a bridle horse would be a piece of cake, and very rewarding for you and your horse. Not going to lie, bragging on your bridle horse that you made yourself is very fun! Lol, sometimes I find myself doing it too much and I'm like Gah! I sound arrogant!! Lol. But anyways, if your horse is that "light" I don't think you would have any problems with it!

Perfect! Please do posts some pics of the bits! I have a very good friend who is also a very well know and respected reining trainer who could probably help me with this.....it would be something to plan and thnk about for a while, but she would for sure give me the 'one on one hands on' help with this. I find this all very inspiring!!!
There is something very rewarding about being able to be soooo light with a horse that it is imperceptible

Tried to find some good examples on google so I wouldnt have to run out in the snow to my tack shed, Lol. The first bit I posted is known as the "Mona Lisa" mouthpiece. I own a few of these and I really like using them on horses that are "busy" then their mouthes are full and they can focus on responding rather than bumping the bit around in their mouth.

The other bit is know as the half breed. My favorite for starting the two rein process, its fairly gentle, but gets the horse's palate ready for larger moutpieces.

Thanks!!! Good to know! Appreciate it!

You're more than welcome. Since everyone has shown so much interest, I'll try and put together a video on different equipment also.

Of course for a ranch horse you need the right type
I've peeked in your album, saw the little gray, that's the kind of neck I like, even a tad short, but set on a bit higher than the modern QH has it.
I just see the Spanish type horse, short- backed, high set, well arched neck when I think of a vaquero horse

And some people do base their horses off the "old saddle horse type" and I have one little mare that I think fits that type to the T, the little black mare in the album. But in my area, those type of horses are becoming harder and harder to find :( People are breeding for refinement, but I kinda like the old, bid boned, short backed, roman-nosed Spanish type horses better.

Ok, so this might be a stupid question....what is a bridle horse?